System, method and apparatus for enabling channel surfing while buffering and recording of preferred channels

Abstract

A system, method and apparatus for surfing channels while preserving content on a preferred channel includes buffering and optionally recording a prime channel using a first tuner while surfing available channels using a second tuner. Upon return to the preferred channel, the programming content of the preferred channel is continued to be viewed in a time-shifted manner. The simultaneous buffering of the prime channel upon changing viewing channels is performed such that the buffering of the prime channel includes a complete record of received content without any loss of programming information.

1 . A receiver for permitting channel surfing while buffering a preferred channel, comprising:
 at least a first tuner and a second tuner for receiving media content;   a buffer for buffering received media content,   a switch coupled between said buffer and said tuners to selectively connect one of said tuners to said buffer; and   a controller for designating, using said first tuner, a first preferred channel of said media content and for enabling channel surfing of other channels of said media content using said second tuner, wherein said controller selects, using said switch, which of the media content from said tuners is to be buffered by said buffer.   
     
     
         2 . The receiver of  claim 1 , wherein said controller selects said first preferred channel to be buffered while surfing other channels of said media content using said second tuner. 
     
     
         3 . The receiver of  claim 1 , further comprising a recording device for recording said buffered media content. 
     
     
         4 . The receiver of  claim 1 , further comprising a timer for determining a time period after which a surfed channel viewed for longer than said determined time period is able to be selected for buffering. 
     
     
         5 . The receiver of  claim 4 , wherein after said time period said controller selects said surfed channel viewed for longer than said determined time period to be buffered. 
     
     
         6 . The receiver of  claim 1 , wherein said controller indicates to a user when said buffer is nearing full capacity. 
     
     
         7 . The receiver of  claim 6 , wherein buffered information is recorded by a recording device when said buffer is nearing full capacity. 
     
     
         8 . A system for permitting channel surfing while recording a preferred channel, comprising:
 a network for providing media content having a plurality of programming channels;   a receiver including;
 at least a first tuner and a second tuner for receiving media content; 
 a buffer for buffering received media content, 
 a switch coupled between said buffer and said tuners to selectively connect one of said tuners to said buffer; and 
 a controller for designating, using said first tuner, a first preferred channel of said media content and for enabling channel surfing of other channels of said media content using said second tuner, wherein said controller selects, using said switch, which of the media content from said tuners is to be buffered by said buffer; 
   
       and
 a display for displaying a selected programming channel. 
 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a remote control for communicating user selections to said receiver. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said controller designates a preferred channel to be buffered in accordance with a user selection. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the user selects the preferred channel by pausing a currently viewed channel. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a timer for determining a time period after which a surfed channel viewed for longer than said determined time period is able to be selected for buffering. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein said controller selects said first preferred channel to be buffered while surfing other channels of said media content using said second tuner 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a recording device for recording said buffered media content. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising a second buffer such that buffering of content may be performed for each of the first and second tuners. 
     
     
         16 . A method for surfing channels while preserving content on a preferred channel, comprising the steps of:
 buffering a first channel using a first tuner; and   changing viewing channels simultaneously, using a second tuner ( 109 ), while buffering the first channel such that the buffering of the first channel includes a complete record of received content.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said first channel is buffered upon pausing the first channel prior to changing viewing channels. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising determining whether to save or discard buffered content of the first channel prior to buffering a new channel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the decision to buffer a new channel is prompted by an amount of time elapsing in viewing said new channel.